Kennedy Center Honors 2019: From 'Sesame Street' to Linda Ronstadt's tribute, here are top 5 moments fans loved

In case you missed the Kennedy Center Honors 2019, here are the highlights and the top five moments fans can't stop talking about.
UPDATED DEC 16, 2019
Honorees at the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors at Kennedy Center Hall of States on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)
Honorees at the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors at Kennedy Center Hall of States on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)

Celebrating arts icons as a "reflection of America," the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors recognized 'Sesame Street', actress Sally Field, musician Michael Tilson Thomas, singer Linda Ronstadt and the band, Earth Wind & Fire. Calling it an "amazing" show, many music lovers took to Twitter to share their thoughts after watching the prestigious awards.

"If you’re not watching the #KennedyCenterHonors then you’re missing out on some amazing talent," one fan tweeted out and another one wrote, "#KennedyCenterHonors were off the chain. @sesamestreet to @EarthWindFire...that's heaven right there." In case you skipped the show, here are the highlights and the top five moments fans can't stop talking about. "The #KennedyCenterHonors makes me cry! Such great talent paying tribute to the honorees ... touching flashbacks, kind words, great performances. Loving it all!" one wrote.

'Sesame Street' becomes first TV program to be honored

'Sesame Street' is the first TV show to receive a Kennedy Center Honor and fans cannot control their emotions as it brought them to tears. 

"#SesameStreet being honored on #KennedyCenterHonors is about ten years overdue. Awesome they have the original creators in the balcony. But 98% of the real creative force have all since passed, sadly," one fan posted and another wrote, "A great children’s TV show running for 50 years. Let’s all congratulate #SesameStreet for their #KennedyCenterHonors award."

Sesame Street characters (L-R) Ernie, Bert, Big Bird, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Cookie Monster attend the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors at Kennedy Center Hall of States on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)

Trisha Yearwood and Carrie Underwood pay tribute to Linda Ronstadt

Honoring Linda, Don Henley said, "Linda owned each and every genre she explored." Later Carried Underwood took to center stage and performed a medley of Linda's hits which included 'When Will I Be Loved.' Trisha Yearwood also performed several of her songs and many fans argued she did it better. Overall, it made music lovers immensely emotional to see their beloved artiste being recognized.

"Watching @KCHonors & tears watching @trishayearwood & @aaronneville perform the huge hit "Don't Know Much" in honor of #LindaRonstadt. Linda, you are LOVED. That much I know. God bless you," one fan wrote and another said, "Please tell me I'm not the only one who cried through the entire Linda Ronstadt portion of the Kennedy Center Honors. I'm a mess."

Honoree Linda Ronstadt attends the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors at Kennedy Center Hall of States on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC.

John Legend pays tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire by performing 'Can't Hide Love'

The first artiste who paid a tribute to the musical group, Earth, Wind & Fire, was John Legend, who took to the stage and performed a stunning rendition to their song, 'Can't Hide Love'. Spellbound by his performance, fans said he channeled his inner Maurice and did justice to the song. 

"Earth Wind and Fire is one of my fav bands. @johnlegend did them proud. #KennedyCenterHonors," one fan wrote and another said, "@johnlegend is the voice extraordinaire. #KennedyCenterHonors."

John Legend attends the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors Kennedy Center on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

Audra McDonald’s radiant performance in salute to Michael Tilson Thomas

Audra McDonald sang some 'Porgy & Bess' numbers to pay tribute to Michael Tilson Thomas and floored everyone in the audience. 

"Michael Tilson-Thomas isn't talked about in the mainstream anymore, but he's really the Bernstein of the last 40 years. His interpretations of Gershwin's works are the most definitive of anybody's. #KennedyCenterHonors," one fan posted and another said, "Son just mentioned he met Michael Tilson Thomas. He complimented my child about his piano playing. CONGRATULATIONS, MTT & thank you for encouraging the next generation! #KennedyCenterHonors."

Honoree Michael Tilson Thomas attends the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors Kennedy Center on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

Sally Field 

Adding to the illustrious list of two Oscars, three Emmys, two Golden Globes, and a SAG award, Sally Field was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors. Actor Tom Hanks told Paula Reid that Sally Field's body of work has grown in "the most impressive way than any actor in Hollywood."

"#KennedyCenterHonors #LindaRondstadt #SallyField you are my inspiration as an actress and artist #utterlyequisitelyalive," one fan wrote and another posted, "I just adore @sally_field so much! Plus she was so sweet when I got to meet her. Such a wonderful actress & lady. #KennedyCenterHonors."

Honoree Sally Field gives Sesame Street character Abby Cadabby a hug and a kiss at the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors Kennedy Center on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)

Kennedy Center Honors were telecasted on CBS at 8 pm ET on December 15 and a preview special aired on CBSN at 7 pm ET.


 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Part one ends on a risky ask, but the second-half brings a walk-away threat, and a surprise baby cameo.
2 hours ago
Benedict and Sophie’s ‘Bridgerton’ romance heats up in the show's part one, but here’s how Netflix reshapes the classic story from the books.
4 hours ago
Catherine O’Hara’s starrer ‘Schitt’s Creek’ follows a once-wealthy family forced to rebuild their lives in a tiny town they never planned to call home
4 hours ago
Marvel’s big cosmic reboot just hit the brakes, with ‘Imperial Guardians’ quietly shifting from bold new era to a short run before it even begins.
6 hours ago
Ahead of host Trevor Noah kicking off the Grammys 2026, celebrities from Teddy Swims to PinkPantheress are celebrating early.
18 hours ago
By the end of the first half of 'Bridgerton' Season 4, Danbury has set things in motion that may ultimately lead to her departure
1 day ago
A ‘Daredevil’ (2003) actor turns up in ‘Wonder Man’, but Marvel flips expectations with a sharp, self-aware cameo.
1 day ago
Showrunner Jess Brownell had teased the leads for 'Bridgerton' Seasons 5 and 6 in a creative reveal using her pocket square
1 day ago
Before joining the staff at Penwood House, Sophie had a very different life as the ward of Lord Penwood, her biological father
1 day ago
Trevor Noah will host the upcoming 68th edition of the Grammy Awards in what will be his last appearance as the event's MC
1 day ago